Meet Bluemethane, one of the suppliers joining the Innovation Lab

Could you tell us how you found out about the Innovation Lab and why you decided to pitch your idea?  

We first heard about the Innovation Lab at the World Water Tech Conference. We later saw it promoted by Isle Utilities on LinkedIn, which prompted us to apply. 

In simple terms, could you please summarise what your product does?  

Bluemethane recovers methane from water, turning a wasted resource and potent greenhouse gas into a source of value. 

What is the ultimate benefit your idea will bring to water customers in the North West?  

By reducing methane emissions at United Utilities and accessing a new source of energy from biogas derived from water, customers in the North West will benefit from a lower carbon footprint and lower energy prices. 

How are you hoping to develop your idea through the Innovation Lab? 

We are looking for commercial and technological validation. We want to understand the value of our methane recovery solution for the team at United Utilities, and if it is a product that they would want to buy and demonstrate on their site. 

How important do you think programmes like the Innovation Lab are for developing ideas? 

There is often an asymmetry in power between large utility companies and small start-ups. The large companies are often slow to test, a timeframe which causes small start-ups to run out of funding. Programmes like the Innovation Lab, however, are time bound and start on-time. This fosters innovation and supports start-ups to commercialise.  

What does innovation mean to you in three words?  

Challenge, change, sustainability 

If you fast forward two years from now, where do you see your idea/solution?  

Our technology will be implemented at multiple United Utilities sites. We will have our first installation with an additional UK water company, and successfully piloted our first industrial deployment.